House System

The House System is unique among independent schools in America and has been an important part of Lawrentian life for more than two centuries.

Each House is a small group within the larger School community that fosters pride, responsibility, and respect for the contributions of others. The Houses are divided by levels and gender, and these differ in degrees of freedom and supervision. Whether a boarding or day student, all students are assigned to a House. For day students study rooms are made available in each of their assigned House, and on occasion a day student may spend the night in his or her House. Day students are also included in all House functions and are encouraged to take breakfast, lunch, and dinner with their Housemates.

The Lower School consists of four houses within two buildings: Dawes (Cromwell/Perry Ross) and Raymond (Davidson/Thomas).

Seniors have five Fifth Form Houses: Haskell, Kinnan, McPherson, Reynolds, and Upper.

Members of the faculty live in each House and serve as housemasters and assistant housemasters. They are assisted by other faculty members, who also coach, advise, and perform evening supervision on a rotating basis. In this model, students enjoy a high level of attention and guidance.

Lawrenceville works to establish a sense of belonging and cooperation in each House. Each has its own dining area in Irwin Dining Center and House flag. Circle and Crescent Houses compete for athletic (the Foresman and Dresdner Cups), academic (the Chivers Cup), and community service (the Adams Cup) honors. Additionally, each House has established traditions through the years. When students say "my House," they often mean their Lawrenceville experience. Lawrenceville House traditions range from dances to football to annual community service events.

Since Lawrenceville draws students from around the world and every walk of life, each day brings lessons in cooperation, tolerance, and leadership, through which House leaders influence students, subtly and dramatically, by directive and example. Thus, each House develops a distinct character, shaped by the personalities of its leaders.